The aim of our research group is to improve the outcomes of patients undergoing cancer immunotherapies. In particular, we study allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced adverse events (irAE).

In allo-HSCT, we tackle two of the main causes of morbidity and mortality: malignancy relapse and graft-versus-host disease. We define how metabolic processes drive blood cancer persistence and therapy resistance to induce a relapse after allo-HSCT. To this end, we study metabolic characteristics in patient primary tumor material and correlate them with clinical disease parameters and outcome. In addition, our group is establishing a biobank to serve the purposes of personalized medicine. Our project adresses how drug screening and multi-omics profiling can assist the selection of the most suitable treatment in patients with therapy-refractory leukemias. Furthermore, we study the pathogenesis and treatment of graft-versus-host disease.

In checkpoint inhibitor related irAE, we analyze how current standard therapies can be improved. Specifically, we explore the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in patients with steroid-refractory irAE colitis, dermatitis and hepatitis.

[FG] Apostolova Petya

Head of Research Unit

Prof. Dr. Petya Apostolova

Publications